Happy Lunar New Year 2026 and Year of the Horse!

Gung Hay Fat Choy, or translated into Cantonese: "Wishing you prosperity."

2026 is the Year of the Horse, or more specifically, the Fire Horse, and is celebrated around the world beginning today. It's an annual 15-day festival that begins with the new moon that occurs between January 21st and February 20th according to Western calendars - and festivities last until the following full moon.

According to the Calgary Herald, "Horses enjoy socialization. Finding one’s own herd, or group of friends or supporters, could rank high on the agenda, according to several horoscope predictions for 2026. The high-spirited nature of horses also points to a year ahead of social activity, group travel, and joint projects at work. Rather than it being a year to cocoon, predictions are that it could be a year to embrace change and look for new opportunities."

The Fire Horse symbolizes freedom, adventure, and passion - and people born under this sign are known for their energetic and independent personalities. Celebrities born in years of the Horse include Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Harrison Ford, Jerry Seinfeld, Jackie Chan, John Travolta, and Denzel Washington.

Here’s some trivia about horses:

(1) The United States is home to the most horses in the world, according to the World Population Review. It has 10.3 million horses, followed by Mexico at 6.4 million and Brazil at 5.8 million.

(2) Mongolia is said to have 4.8 million horses, compared to its population of 3.5 million people, due to the country’s reliance on horses for transportation, economic output, partnership with nomadic herders, and cultural significance. The country has a traditional saying that reinforces the horse’s importance in that culture: “A Mongol without a horse is like a bird without wings.”

(3) Horses can live an average of 25 to 30 years.

(4) Horses can have an average running speed of 48 km/h (30 mph), but those bred for racing can run more than 80 km/h (50 mph) for short periods of time.

(5) Queen Elizabeth II started riding at age three and was a remarkable horsewoman.

According to Travel+Leisure, here's how the holiday is celebrated throughout Asia:

"Celebrations around CHINA primarily take place on New Year's Eve, with families coming together to mark the occasion. It's custom to wear new clothes to ring in the new year, usually in the lucky colors, red and gold. In northern China, traditional food eaten during Lunar New Year is made using flour, like baos, pancakes, noodles, and dumplings. Families often make these dishes from scratch. The dumplings are usually served with fish, as it symbolizes abundance for the year ahead, and sometimes contain a lucky coin that kids eagerly search for. Throughout China, family members give each other red envelopes with money as well."

"In KOREA, the Lunar New Year is a three-day event offering a chance to pay respect to ancestors and elders. In Korean culture, people have an official age based on their birthday, but they also historically had a Korean age, which started at one on the day they were born and increased every first day of the year after that. Children show their respect to elders with deep bows (aka seh bae). As part of the celebration, children also receive money and words of wisdom for the forthcoming year."

"In VIETNAM, Lunar New Year is spent with family. Just like other countries, Vietnam has its own traditional attire, a silk tunic with slits on either side that's worn over pants by both men and women for the New Year. Most families go to the temple together to pray for good luck, health, and fortune. Some superstitions include paying off all your debts and cleaning your house before the new year, as well as not throwing anything away on New Year's Day, as it's considered to be getting rid of good luck. Children receive red envelopes with money from their older relatives, too."

"In SINGAPORE, where the population is approximately 75 percent Chinese, red envelopes that display the phrase "Fú" (meaning good luck) are distributed. It's also custom to pay respect to ancestors by going to a temple and lighting incense. The annual Chingay Parade is an extravagant celebration that includes everything from giant floats to lion dancers. Meanwhile, the largest Chinese New Year festival in Singapore is the River Hongbao, which is hosted at different locations across the country."

"In MALAYSIA, Lunar New Year welcomes spring. It lasts for 15 days, ending with a grand finale day called Chap Goh Mei. Red pocket envelopes (known as ang pow) are given to children and unmarried family members. Many Buddhist families invite lion dancers to their homes to bless their altars and ward off bad spirits. People in Malaysia don traditional outfits, called cheongsam (also known as qipao). They say that if you're celebrating your zodiac year, you should wear the color gold to attract even more abundance."

"TAIWAN is another country that strongly associates the holiday with food. Dumplings are the most popular dish, closely followed by pineapple. It's considered good luck to not eat all the fish and keep some leftovers from your holiday meals. Most Taiwanese people spend time with family and their elders in their homes. They exchange red envelopes, and many neighborhoods set off fireworks."

"When the clock strikes midnight in the PHILIPPINES, children and adults jump for joy, as it's thought to make them grow taller. The most traditional celebration is called Media Noche, a midnight feast to summon a year of prosperity. The table is usually full of round-shaped fruits — a tradition that originates from China — as the shape represents family unity. One of the most unique superstitions is that wearing polka dots will bring prosperity, money, and good fortune, because of their round shape. Fireworks are also set off to create loud noises that scare away bad spirits, while lights are turned on and windows and doors are left open. Many people avoid spending money on the first day of the year to encourage better finances."  

Will your brand add a horse or the color red (because the Chinese believe red brings good luck, prosperity, and wards off evil) into your logo, mascot, promotions, or communications? 

Here are 15 brands that are participating in the festive celebrations:

MATTEL'S BARBIE

Toy brand Mattel dazzled again with its annual "Lunar New Year Barbie." According to the brand's website, "Barbie honors the traditions of the Lunar New Year with this latest holiday doll, dressed for a celebration in an elegant gown artfully designed with symbolic details. Draped in bright red, she’s channeling extra luck, while a gold peony print portrays the symbols of prosperity and honor. The gown’s bodice features a fan-like design, a stylistic interpretation of the fans used in traditional dances and given as gifts for the Lunar New Year. The look is finished with a sheer golden shawl, bold earrings with traditional Chinese symbology, and a stunning long sleek hairstyle. The doll designer was Joyce Chen, and the packaging designer was Laydiana Chiv."

According to Barbie doll designer Joyce Chen, "Being able to design the Lunar New Year Barbie series has felt really impactful for both me as a designer and to the consumer market that has always been yearning for more representation in the doll category. Growing up as an Asian American, I feel like it was rare to find toys or dolls that I could connect with. Being able to design the Lunar New Year dolls has been so meaningful for me because I can get in touch with and be inspired by my own culture. I also see how important it is for others when they have a doll that they can relate to. It makes me happy to create such a special Barbie for a holiday that is celebrated by many...I love seeing the continued growth of diversity and representation in dolls, and hope that one day every person in the world can find a doll they connect with."

SHARE THIS: I hope that one day every person in the world can find a doll they connect with. ~Joyce Chen, Lunar New Year Barbie doll designer #LunarNewYear #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SUR LA TABLE

Cooking accessory brand Sur La Table unveiled a special product line to celebrate the 2026 Year of the Horse, and according to the brand's website, "featuring horse-inspired designs on serving bowls and tableware to celebrate energy, elegance, and togetherness, with products showcasing art from illustrators like Hillary Sorrentino for a contemporary take on tradition, encouraging festive dining with red, gold, and natural elements." Sur La Table's Lunar New Year collection incorporates red, orange, gold, and green for energy and good fortune.

LLADRO

Porcelain luxury brand Lladro unveiled its 2026 Year of the Horse collection, "2026 is the Year of the Horse, a symbol of freedom, confidence, and style that keeps inspiring our artists. Those born under the Horse sign are often known for their independence, open spirit, and natural charisma. This selection celebrates that way of moving through the world, with a contemporary take on tradition. Reimagined in porcelain from different perspectives, these creations reflect exceptional technical mastery and an artistic sensibility that moves effortlessly from the realistic to the conceptual." Prices range from $200 to $15,000 for the brand's art.

BACCARAT

Crystal luxury brand Baccarat unveiled its 2026 Year of the Horse creation,"The Baccarat 2026 Clear Zodiac Horse is a radiant tribute to strength, grace, and forward momentum; qualities long associated with the horse in the Chinese zodiac. Expertly crafted from the finest Baccarat crystal, this majestic figure captures the power and elegance of a galloping horse with striking clarity and detail. The fluid lines, dynamic posture, and brilliant finish reflect Baccarat’s legacy of unparalleled artistry, making this piece a timeless symbol of energy, perseverance, and luxury. Its clear crystal construction beautifully catches and refracts light, creating a luminous effect that enhances its sculptural beauty from every angle."

KATE SPADE

Clothing and accessory brand Kate Spade unveiled a silk scarf featuring "a patterned horse representing the 2026 Lunar New Year framed in an equestrian-themed border." The scarf was available from Nordstrom for $88.

ESTEE LAUDER

Beauty brand Estee Lauder unveiled a limited edition "Year of the Horse Powder Compact" available for $225. According to the brand's website, "People born during the Year of the Horse are known for their smart, charismatic, outgoing nature. Full of energy, they are adventurous and self-reliant. This one-of-a-kind compact arrives in an elegant presentation box and includes a velvety pouch to keep the compact safe. Intricately designed, exquisitely crafted, yours to keep forever. Makes a wonderful gift."

RAY-BAN

Sunglass brand Ray-Ban unveiled its limited edition frames to celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year: the RB4441D Year of the Horse sunglasses and RB7259D Year of the Horse optic frames.

REMY MARTIN

Cognac brand Remy Martin partnered with Chinese artist Xue Song to celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year. According to The Spirits Business, "Drawing on the Year of the Horse, Song has reimagined Remy Martin’s centaur logo using collage and Chinese ink to create a limited edition XO gift set, which features the mythological creature leading a pack of horses into the future. Entitled "The Centaur is Paving the Way," Song’s Lunar New Year artwork has been built from depictions of the Cognac brand’s history to showcase the herd of five horses led by the Remy Martin centaur. The brand noted that the horse represents strength, speed, and perseverance in the Chinese zodiac, while the centaur connects the earth and skies, with its feet on the ground and head looking into the stars. On the gift box, Song’s stallions are depicted racing behind the golden centaur. The box is embossed in glowing metallics against Song’s vibrant red collage. The box slides open to reveal the XO Cognac inside, which is set within a mythical landscape of clouds, bamboo, and rocks. The purchase price is $209."

ROYAL SALUTE

According to The Spirits Business, "Chivas Brothers-owned blended Scotch whisky brand Royal Salute has released a special edition Lunar New Year gift pack. Created by Chinese illustrator Jason Lyon, the gift pack depicts symbols of prosperity, opportunity, and rebirth combined with the celebratory gun salute fired from The Tower of London, Royal Salute's symbolic home. The illustration is said to capture the vibrancy of the New Lunar Year celebrations, which bring families and friends together to mark the passing of one year and the fresh start of the next with light, sound, and colour. The Royal Salute brand was founded to commemorate the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, and it has released a Lunar New Year gift pack annually since 2020. The purchase price is $200."

LOS ANGELES ZOO

The Los Angeles Zoo will welcome all Angelenos for special activities honoring the Year of the Horse on February 21st and 22nd. According to the Zoo's website, there will be traditional Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese dance performances at specific times, calligraphy demonstrations, Chinese fan decorating activities, special animal feedings, and the opportunity to share hopes and dreams for the New Year by adding them to the Wall of Well Wishes.

CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK AT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT

From January 23rd to February 22th, guests are invited to enjoy a 31-day celebration of the Year of the Horse with vibrant festivities and tributes to Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures! According to the Disneyland website, "Event highlights include: bites and beverages celebrating Asian cuisine with a delicious Disney twist; special appearances by some popular Disney Characters—including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse—dressed in outfits inspired by traditional cultural attire; Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession; and Lunar New Year merchandise."

Similar to the LA Zoo, Disney will also offer the following:

"Have your New Year’s wishes artistically written in Chinese calligraphy by a talented park calligrapher. And don’t miss your chance to visit the vibrant Lunar New Year Wishing Wall at Paradise Gardens Park! Share your heartfelt wishes for hope, health, and happiness, and let your dreams for the coming year become part of this joyful celebration."

TIFFANY & CO.

Jewelry icon Tiffany & Co. launched its 2026 Lunar New Year campaign globally on January 4th, uniting a Pegasus motif with the brand's most celebrated designs to mark the arrival of a year filled with joy and new possibilities. According to the brand's Instagram account, "The campaign embodies both the power and grace of the mythical creature, offering a poetic expression of hope and forward momentum for the year ahead."

NIKE

Tennis shoe icon unveiled its Year of the Horse lifestyle collection with this description, from Sneaker News "The Nike Dunk Low, Air Force 1 Low, and Field General come together to develop a cohesive theme across half the collection, a mix of pegasus-like embroidery and abstract linework that unites their heel sections. Multicolor stitching on the Swoosh of each carries the palette of a pastoral sunset tag on the tongue. However, not everything is one note in this capsule, as the Air Force 1 Low also gets on the board with a more cutesy variation. Cheery horses act as spots atop a white base, while a furry Swoosh literally interprets the assignment. The LD-1000 utilizes the earlier embroidery on its Swoosh and adds worn texturing to its body for an overall simple red/white look, and the P-6000 closes out with an equestrian palette of grey and tan."

HELLO KITTY

Toy brand Hello Kitty did not disappoint fans. According to its website, "Celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year in style with Hello Kitty, dressed in a limited edition Year of the Horse costume! This 8-inch limited-edition plush features festive details in traditional red and gold, symbolizing luck, prosperity, and joy. Part of the Ultra-Premier Series, made from deluxe materials for a soft, huggable feel and a high-quality collector’s finish, and comes in a premium collector's box."

LEGO

Toy brand LEGO unveiled its special toy for the 2026 Lunar New Year with this product description on its website, "Give the gift of good fortune with this LEGO Year of the Horse toy for boys and girls ages 8 and up. This model version of the iconic Zodiac animal has a white and brown mane and has one hoof raised. The horse toy stands on a base that’s decorated with flowers and gold-colored leaf elements. Set contains 132 pieces. Once complete, the horse can be used as an eye-catching display model for kids to proudly show off."

And remember, according to ChinaHighlights.com, do not give a clock or watch as a Lunar New Year gift. "Clocks and watches symbolize running out of time. This is especially an uncomfortable reminder for seniors. Giving a clock or watch as a gift is the biggest no-no in Chinese culture."

Next year, the Year of the Sheep will begin on February 6, 2027. So, for all brands who plan to integrate Lunar New Year into your marketing campaigns, brand identity, or brand messaging, start counting the days!

Image Credits: Mattel/Barbie and Tiffany & Co./LM Communications. 

Happy Lunar New Year 2025!

Gung Hay Fat Choy, or translated into Cantonese: "Wishing you prosperity."

2025 is the Year of the Snake and is celebrated around the world beginning today. It is an annual 15-day festival around the world that begins with the new moon that occurs sometime between January 21st and February 20th according to Western calendars - and festivities last until the following full moon.

According to the Calgary Herald, "Loathe them or love them, snakes are slithering into the spotlight this year. The snake brings with it wisdom, transformation, calmness, and creativity. These limbless reptiles, of course, have a less-than-stellar reputation in many societal references. A sneaky individual might be said to be as slippery as a snake or a snake in the grass. A slick salesperson can be called a snake oil salesman. And of course, we can’t forget the serpent's role in the Garden of Eden, as it tempted Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. Snakes are so despised by some people that there’s even a special word for the phobia associated with the creatures — ophidiophobia (ophis is Greek for snake.) It's one of the most commonly found animal phobias.

On the flip side, snakes also have their admirers. And a scroll through some snake owners' Instagram accounts shows some people even take to dressing up their pet snakes in cute little outfits. While animal experts say the brain structure of snakes doesn’t allow them to experience emotion, they can begin to recognize their owners and wrap around them, mostly for warmth.

It's also worth noting snakes have been important to ecosystems and a myriad of cultures over the centuries. Ancient Greeks used snakes to ward off evil and other cultures around the world have associated snakes with wisdom and healing. It's many of those positive beliefs that influence predictions for the year of snake in 2025. For those born in a Year of the Snake, the world often sees them as alluring, astute, charming and thoughtful. Celebrities born in years of the snake include Audrey Hepburn, Mahatma Gandhi and Pablo Picasso."

According to Travel+Leisure, here's how the holiday is celebrated throughout Asia:

"Celebrations around China primarily take place on New Year's Eve, with families coming together to mark the occasion. It's custom to wear new clothes to ring in the new year, usually in the lucky colors, red and gold. In northern China, traditional food eaten during Lunar New Year is made using flour, like baos, pancakes, noodles, and dumplings. Families often make these dishes from scratch. The dumplings are usually served with fish, as it symbolizes abundance for the year ahead, and sometimes contain a lucky coin that kids eagerly search for. Throughout China, family members give each other red envelopes with money as well."

"In Korea, the Lunar New Year is a three-day event offering a chance to pay respect to ancestors and elders. In Korean culture, people have an official age based on their birthday, but they also historically had a Korean age, which started at one on the day they were born and increased every first day of the year after that. Children show their respect to elders with deep bows (aka seh bae). As part of the celebration, children also receive money and words of wisdom for the forthcoming year."

"In Vietnam, Lunar New Year is spent with family. Just like other countries, Vietnam has its own traditional attire, a silk tunic with slits on either side that's worn over pants by both men and women for the New Year. Most families go to the temple together to pray for good luck, health, and fortune. Some superstitions include paying off all your debts and cleaning your house before the new year, as well as not throwing anything away on New Year's Day, as it's considered to be getting rid of good luck. Children receive red envelopes with money from their older relatives, too."

"In Singapore, where the population is approximately 75 percent Chinese, red envelopes that display the phrase "Fú" (meaning good luck) are distributed. It's also custom to pay respect to ancestors by going to a temple and lighting incense. The annual Chingay Parade is an extravagant celebration that includes everything from giant floats to lion dancers. Meanwhile, the largest Chinese New Year festival in Singapore is the River Hongbao, which is hosted at different locations across the country."

"In Malaysia, Lunar New Year welcomes spring. It lasts for 15 days, ending with a grand finale day called Chap Goh Mei. Red pocket envelopes (known as ang pow) are given to children and unmarried family members. Many Buddhist families invite lion dancers to their homes to bless their altars and ward off bad spirits. People in Malaysia don traditional outfits, called cheongsam (also known as qipao). They say that if you're celebrating your zodiac year, you should wear the color gold to attract even more abundance."

"Taiwan is another country that strongly associates the holiday with food. Dumplings are the most popular dish, closely followed by pineapple. It's considered good luck to not eat all the fish and keep some leftovers from your holiday meals. Most Taiwanese people spend time with family and their elders in their homes. They exchange red envelopes, and many neighborhoods set off fireworks."

"When the clock strikes midnight in the Philippines, children and adults jump for joy, as it's thought to make them grow taller. The most traditional celebration is called Media Noche, a midnight feast to summon a year of prosperity. The table is usually full of round-shaped fruits — a tradition that originates from China — as the shape represents family unity. One of the most unique superstitions is that wearing polka dots will bring prosperity, money, and good fortune, because of their round shape. Fireworks are also set off to create loud noises that scare away bad spirits, while lights are turned on and windows and doors are left open. Many people avoid spending money on the first day of the year to encourage better finances."  

Will your brand add a snake or the color red (because the Chinese believe red brings good luck, prosperity, and wards off evil) into your logo, mascot, promotions, or communications? Here are ten brands that are participating in the festive celebrations:

MATTEL'S BARBIE

Mattel unveiled its 2025 Lunar New Year Barbie doll. According to Mattel, "As the firecrackers ignite, Barbie steps into the Lunar New Year celebration in a lucky red qipao (which symbolizes empowerment and beauty). She steals the scene in this quintessential dress with a modern mermaid gown silhouette, traditional mandarin collar, meihua plum blossom prints, and sheer bell sleeves that flutter as she claps to a festive lion dance. Her dress features a plum blossom floral print, a flower that symbolizes prosperity and resilience, because it can bloom in the cold of winter. To complete her look, Chinese knots, a symbol of good fortune, appear at the collar and adorn her belt. Golden drop earrings, matching the knot color, are also meant to bring good luck. The doll was designed by Joyce Chen."  

According to Barbie doll designer Joyce Chen, "Being able to design the Lunar New Year Barbie series has felt really impactful for both me as a designer and to the consumer market that has always been yearning for more representation in the doll category. Growing up as an Asian American, I feel like it was rare to find toys or dolls that I could connect with. Being able to design the Lunar New Year dolls has been so meaningful for me because I can get in touch with and be inspired by my own culture. I also see how important it is for others when they have a doll that they can relate to. It makes me happy to create such a special Barbie for a holiday that is celebrated by many...I love seeing the continued growth of diversity and representation in dolls, and hope that one day every person in the world can find a doll they connect with."

BACCARAT

According to the brand's website, "2025 will be the Year of the Snake, one of the most enigmatic Chinese zodiac signs. Baccarat celebrates this mysterious beauty with an original creation, the Zodiaque Snake 2025, designed by animal sculptor Allison Hawkes. Crafted in the purity of crystal, this exceptional piece captures the very essence of the serpent. With a stately demeanor, the reptile appears to observe the world with discernment, a reminder of the intelligence and profound intuition characteristic of this sign. This exceptional talisman, a bearer of light, promises to illuminate the twelve months to come." The cost of the artwork is $450. 

ESTEE LAUDER

Estee Lauder created an intricately designed, exquisitely crafted, one-of-a-kind Year of the Snake Compact with Perfecting Setting Powder. According to the brand's website, "The Year of the Snake brings a year full of good luck and prosperity. People born in this year are known to be very intelligent and flexible, the perfect 'blend' for success."

SANRIO'S HELLO KITTY

According to Sanrio's website, "Celebrate the enchanting 2025 Lunar New Year with Hello Kitty in her vibrant green and pink Wood Snake costume! Embrace the spirit of friendship and forge meaningful connections this Year of the Snake. Hello Kitty features 2025 on her foot, commemorating the New Year, and she adds a green and pink flair to the wood snake costume, complete with a classic pink bow ready to ring in the new year! Limited edition to 3,000."

PRADA

According to Women's Wear Daily, "Prada’s campaign for Lunar New Year 2025 celebrates the start of the Year of the Snake, with images that reinterpret the coils of the animal that is much respected in Chinese culture. Photographed by Oliver Hadlee Pearch, under the creative direction of Ferdinando Verderi, the "We, The Snake" campaign features brand ambassadors Jia Ling, Li Xian, Ma Long, Ma Yili and Yang Shuyu; art historian Wu Hung; artists Peng Wei and Zhang Enli; architect Rossana Hu, and models Du Juan, Ju Xiaowen and Zhao Lei and a snake-like chain of human silhouettes. Prada said the curves of the coils trace twisting spirals and become a visual representation of the concept of community, documented as a winding row of people from a variety of disciplines who interact and bring to life this sign of the Chinese zodiac. The campaign transforms the snake — typically perceived as an archetype of individualism — into a figure devoted to sharing."

SEE'S CANDIES

See's Candies created festive packaging in shades of red and gold to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

GODIVA

Godiva created an elegantly festive collection that was adorned in bright ruby reds and dazzling golds with delicate imagery inspired by the Year of the Snake.

SUGARFINA

Sugarfina created a Lunar New Year 2025 9 Piece Mini Trunk. According to the brand's website, "Sweeten the Year of the Snake with our Lunar New Year Candy Trunk! Discover nine candies from around the world tucked inside this keepsake gift. Flavors include: Lucky Mandarins, Prosperous Pineapples, Sweet Mangos, Yuzu Caramels, Lychee Blossoms, Peach Blossoms, Peach Jellies, Happy Tangerines, and Coconut Toffee Macadamias."

SWAROVSKI

According to the jewelry brand's website, "With an endless vibration of energy and light, this Swarovski pendant celebrates the Year of the Snake in colorful style. Suspended from a delicate chain, the central motif features a mesmerizing snake, crafted from Swarovski Zirconia, with a red dancing stone at the center for good luck. Infinite light reflections are created in the rose gold-tone plated design, adding vitality and unique beauty to the look. Gift it to someone special as a meaningful symbol of rebirth."

LEGO

LEGO announced three sets to celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival, which were released on January 1st: Trotting Lantern with 1,295 pieces; Good Fortune with 585 pieces; and Lucky Cat with 280 pieces. The Trotting Lantern was a build-together set, a great way for the entire family to celebrate the Year of the Snake - and also included five minifigures: two adults, two children, and a character in a Year of the Snake costume.

According to ChinaHighlights.com, do not give a clock or watch as a Chinese New Year gift. "Clocks and watches symbolize running out of time. This is especially an uncomfortable reminder for seniors. Giving a clock or watch as a gift is the biggest no-no in Chinese culture."

Next year, the Year of the Horse will begin on February 17, 2026. So, all of you brands who plan to integrate Lunar New Year into your marketing campaigns or brand identity, start counting the days!

Image Credits: iStock, Mattel, Sanrio, Estée Lauder, and See's Candies.

If you need red envelopes to give family members money, check these out:

https://buddhastoneshop.com/collections/year-of-the-snake-2025/products/buddha-stones-6pcs-chinese-red-envelope-year-of-the-snake-lucky-money-envelopes-2025-new-year

Read more about the history of the Chinese zodiac:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-zodiac

Happy Lunar New Year!

 

Gung Hay Fat Choy, or translated into Cantonese: "Wishing you great happiness and prosperity."

2024 is the Year of the Dragon and is celebrated by Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean cultures around the world beginning today.

Will your brand add a dragon or the color red into your logo, mascot, promotions, or communiations? Here are some brands that are participating in the festive celebrations:

BARBIE
Mattel unveiled its 2024 Lunar New Year Barbie doll. According to Mattel, "Barbie is enchanting in a traditional xifu costume, inspired by the beauty of Peking Opera, a cultural treasure of China and often performed to celebrate Lunar New Year and other Chinese holidays. Her elegant robe in lucky red with a colorful peony print symbolizes good fortune. Her dramatic water sleeves are used to create beautiful hand motions and expressions on stage. The look is completed with an ornate headdress with peony accents and cyan blue shoes with pink poms."

CLINIQUE
Clinique's make-up line stood out with festive red packaging on its "dramatically different mosturizing lotion" and "cheek pop highlighter."

CHARLOTTE TILBURY
Charlotte Tilbury released a limited-edition Luxury Palette in celebration of Lunar New Year. This iteration of her best-selling eyeshadow quad, entitled Queen of Luck, features highly-pigmented golden pink, warm terracotta, and champagne gold hues.

PAT MCGRATH
Pat McGrath released a limited-edition Bronze Borealis New Year Edition, which features four bronze and copper hues. These shades deliver saturated color in a single swipe.

DISNEY
A plush version of Mickey Mouse dressed as a dragon was available for sale, and clothing was also available featuring other familiar characters dressed as dragons.

HELLO KITTY
Hello Kitty unveiled a red holiday-themed "Pineapple Cakes" gift box.

HONOLULU COOKIE COMPANY
Honolulu Cookie Company unveiled a "Year of the Dragon" green cookie gift box featuring a dragon and a large red pineapple.

POTTERY BARN
Pottery Barn designed a white and red "Lunar New Year Dragon Lazy Susan."

KATE SPADE
Kate Spade launched a Lunar New Year collection featuring dragon motifs on everything from handbags to dresses to dragon-inspired jewelry pieces.

TIMBERLAND
Timberland’s Lunar New Year collection features boots blending the brand’s classic design with unique dragon-themed elements. The Timberland Heritage 6-inch lace-up boot, crafted from Timberland premium leather, is available in red for men and black for women.

MACY'S
Macy's home department unveiled a red and gold "Lunar New Year Dragon Teapot and Cups Set."

According to Marca.com, "In the Chinese worldview, the dragon is not perceived as a fearsome creature, but as a divine being that bestows power and good fortune. It is associated with positive characteristics, such as, wisdom, vitality, nobility and benevolence. He represents primordial strength, prosperity, courage and renewal."

According to ChinaHighlights.com, do not give a clock or watch as a Chinese New Year gift. "Clocks and watches symbolize running out of time. This is especially an uncomfortable reminder for seniors. Giving a clock or watch as a gift is the biggest no-no in Chinese culture."

Next year, the Year of the Snake will begin on January 29, 2025. So, clothing and make-up brands, start counting the days!


Image Credits: Mattel, Clinique, and The Walt Disney Company.